FILE – The Transportation Security Administration's new facial recognition technology is seen at a security checkpoint at Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport in Glen Burnie, Maryland, April 26, 2023. A bipartisan group of senators is calling for restrictions on the use of facial recognition technology. TSA said it is concerned about the privacy and civil liberties of travelers. (AP Photo/Julia Nickinson, File)
The summer travel season could be the busiest ever, according to the Transportation Security Administration.
The TSA predicts that Memorial Day weekend and next Friday will be the busiest travel days of the year, with nearly 3 million passengers at airports across the United States.
The agency expects to screen nearly 18 million passengers and crew passing through airport security checkpoints from May 23 to May 29.
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“We are working closely with our airports, airlines, and travel partners to ensure we are fully prepared to handle the increased travel volume this summer,” TSA Administrator David Pekoske said in a statement.
Last year, cities like Los Angeles experienced record air travel during the holiday season.
Taxis wait for arriving passengers traveling during Thanksgiving week at Los Angeles International Airport, Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023, in Los Angeles. The Transportation Security Administration expects to screen 2.7 million passengers on Wednesday and a record 2.9 million passengers on Sunday, the most important day for round-trip travel. (AP Photo/Damien Dovarganes)
“We also continue to deploy cutting-edge checkpoint technology that increases security effectiveness, efficiency and improves the passenger experience, and our retention and adoption rates are at an all-time high. ” Pekosuke added.
This follows Mr. Pekoske's testimony regarding investments in the TSA, which also touched on several other topics, including screening technology, passenger security fees, and cybersecurity.
Just last year, the TSA experienced problems across the agency after spending more than $2 billion, resulting in long lines and additional screening.
The Biden administration released final rules for major airlines in April, calling for more transparency in fares and streamlining rules to ease the burden on passengers.
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“If passengers owe money to an airline, they have the right to get their money back without the headache or haggling,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a statement. “Our new rules set new standards requiring airlines to promptly issue cash refunds to passengers.”
Finally, other details announced by TSA include some important travel information, including having a REAL ID, knowing your TSA PreCheck Known Traveler Number (KTN), and contacting TSA directly with questions. Contains tips.
Despite the onset of a recession and record high inflation, Americans are still heading to the terminal as summer approaches.
